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Legal Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Legal Counsel - Employment Law Country: United States of America It Starts Here: Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand ...

Associate's degree and 7 years of experience in the managed care, health insurance industry, or legal field * High school equivalency and 10 years of experience in the managed care, health insurance ...

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Post-secondary coursework in paralegal studies or equivalent experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or similar role; an Associate's degree or higher is preferred. * Minimum of three years of ...

Legal Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$51K - $117K/yr

Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred * Experience in an office/legal setting preferred * Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel In support of transparency ...

AmLaw 200 legal services provider seeks a highly-qualified Mid-level Associate to join its Real Estate team. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in commercial real ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Madison, WI

$140K - $190K/yr

The Senior Legal Counsel role offers growth potential opportunities, professional development, an ... business associate agreements and/or data processing agreements. * Work closely with segment ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Madison, WI

$140K - $190K/yr

The Senior Legal Counsel role offers growth potential opportunities, professional development, an ... business associate agreements and/or data processing agreements. * Work closely with segment ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Madison, WI

$140K - $190K/yr

The Senior Legal Counsel role offers growth potential opportunities, professional development, an ... business associate agreements and/or data processing agreements. * Work closely with segment ...

Associate's degree and 7 years of experience in the managed care, health insurance industry, or legal field * High school equivalency and 10 years of experience in the managed care, health insurance ...

A full-service business and litigation law firm is seeking a highly qualified associate to join its Real Estate group. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in general real estate ...

Customer Success Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

We are currently seeking dynamic Customer Success Associates to join our growing teams across the ... CT (Corporate Trust) Corporation is the global leader of legal entity management, corporate ...

Customer Success Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

We are currently seeking dynamic Customer Success Associate to join our growing teams across the ... CT (Corporate Trust) Corporation is the global leader of legal entity management, corporate ...

Customer Success Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

We are currently seeking dynamic Customer Success Associate to join our growing teams across the ... CT (Corporate Trust) Corporation is the global leader of legal entity management, corporate ...

We are currently seeking dynamic Customer Success Associates to join our growing teams across the ... CT Corporation is the global leader of legal entity management, corporate compliance and due ...

Customer Success Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

$34K - $57K/yr

We are currently seeking dynamic Customer Success Associates to join our growing teams across the ... CT Corporation is the global leader of legal entity management, corporate compliance and due ...

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Legal Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$8

$29

$60

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Madison, WI is $29.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Legal Associates?

Legal Associates are early-career lawyers who support more senior attorneys in a law firm or legal department. They conduct legal research, draft documents, assist with case preparation, and may represent clients under supervision. Legal Associates are typically recent law school graduates who have passed the bar exam, and their role is designed to provide hands-on experience while allowing them to develop their legal skills. Over time, Legal Associates may work toward becoming partners or taking on more senior legal positions within their organization.

What is a legal associate?

A legal associate is a junior attorney or lawyer who supports senior lawyers by conducting research, drafting documents, and preparing cases. They typically work in law firms or corporate legal departments and need a law degree and bar admission to practice. The role often involves analyzing legal issues and assisting with client consultations.

What is the lowest position in a law firm?

The lowest position in a law firm is typically a legal assistant or legal secretary, who provides administrative support to attorneys. Entry-level roles often require basic legal knowledge, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with legal software. These positions serve as a foundation for advancing to higher roles such as paralegal or associate.

What are some typical challenges Legal Associates face during their first year at a law firm?

Legal Associates often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of work under tight deadlines, adapting to the expectations of different partners, and learning to balance administrative tasks with substantive legal research and drafting. Navigating firm culture and building relationships with senior attorneys and clients can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and help associates develop strong time management, communication, and legal analysis skills crucial for career growth.

What Is a Legal Associate?

A legal associate is a practicing junior attorney at a law firm who works on cases for clients, conducts legal research, and provides legal advice to clients. Other job duties include developing and implementing litigation strategies, supervising legal assistants and paralegals, and representing clients in court. The qualifications you need for a career as a legal associate include a bachelor’s degree and then a law degree from an accredited law school, a license to practice law through your state’s bar association, at least one year of experience working in a law firm, and excellent communication and collaborative skills.

What can you do with an associate degree in law?

A legal associate degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as legal assistant, paralegal, or legal secretary. These positions involve supporting attorneys, conducting research, and managing case files, often requiring knowledge of legal software and procedures.

Is $900 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

For a legal associate, earning $900 an hour is considered very high and typically reflects senior-level experience, specialized expertise, or work in high-demand areas such as corporate law or litigation. Most legal associates earn significantly less, with hourly rates often ranging from $100 to $300 depending on location and firm size. Such rates are more common for partners or highly specialized attorneys rather than entry-level associates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Legal Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legal Associate, you need a law degree (JD or equivalent), strong research and analytical skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and proficiency in drafting legal documents are essential. Excellent written and verbal communication, time management, and the ability to work collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure effective legal analysis, high-quality client service, and successful case outcomes in a demanding legal environment.

What is the difference between Legal Associate vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal AssociateParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission often preferredAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts, corporate offices
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting documents, client interaction, assisting attorneysLegal research, document preparation, case organization, support tasks

Legal Associates typically hold a JD and are licensed to practice law, performing more advanced legal tasks. Paralegals assist attorneys with research and administrative duties but do not require a law degree or license. Both roles work in similar environments, but Legal Associates have a broader scope of responsibilities and legal authority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Associate jobs in Madison, WI? For Legal Associate jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Associate jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Associate jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Legal Associate jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Legal Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,788 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Legal Counsel - Employment Law

Santander

Madison, WI

$127K - $220K/yr

Other

Re-posted 22 hours ago


Job description

Legal Counsel - Employment LawCountry: United States of America

It Starts Here:

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:
We are seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join our Legal Department. This Legal Counsel role is responsible for providing day to day advice and counseling on employment law matters, drafting employment-related documents and policies, managing employment litigation and investigations and overseeing outside counsel.

  • Provide day-to-day legal advice on employment law matters including but not limited to:
  • Wage and hour compliance (FLSA, state/local laws)
  • Hiring, disciplinary action, performance management and terminations
  • Workplace accommodations, leaves of absence, and employee benefits issues.
  • Manage and coordinate employment-related litigation, arbitrations, administrative charges, and internal investigations including:
    • Drafting position statements
    • Overseeing outside counsel
    • Reviewing pleadings and strategy
    • Managing discovery and settlement negotiations
  • Partner with Human Resources, Employee Relations, Compliance, and business leaders on employment matters involving licensed financial professionals, including employee actions with regulatory reporting or disclosure implications.
  • Draft and review employment related policies, separation agreements, and other employment documents
  • Monitor and advise on legal developments, including wage and hour laws, workplace harassment regulations and industry specific employment compliance trends.
  • Support human resources and business leaders with training and best practices.
  • Participate in cross-functional legal projects as needed.
  • Experience with financial services specific matters such as U-5 and FINRA regulations, a plus.

What You Bring:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience: Law / J.D. degree, and active license to practice law in at least one US jurisdiction. - Required.
  • 9+ Years Experience practicing law. - Required
  • 3+ Years Experience in Financial Services, Bank, Law Firm supporting Financial Services. - Required
  • Familiarity with employment matters involving licensed financial professionals, regulatory reporting obligations, U5 disclosures, or FINRA-related employment issues. - Preferred.
  • Strong litigation background.
  • Strong understanding of state and local laws
  • Solid understanding of legal documents, contracts and agreements, and drafting experience.
  • Ability to be highly responsive and organized.
  • Ability to provide practical and pragmatic advice.
  • Ability to work under pressure and prioritize and manage workload, simultaneous tasks, and meet deadlines with a changing fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent legal and analytical skills and a business-oriented approach to problem solving
  • Excellent drafting, negotiation, and client relations skills

It Would Be Nice For You To Have:

  • Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office products.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

$127,500.00 USD

Maximum:

$220,000.00 USD

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it's recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standingand walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next:

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.